Dewsbury’s Five Star can create sporting legacy

Gary Sykes will finally get the chance to create a real sporting legacy in the area when he takes on Liam Walsh at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, on February 22.

Walsh will put his Commonwealth super featherweight title on the line and the bout will also be for the vacant British title.

Trainer Julian McGowan is excited by the prospect of being involved in one of the best domestic fights in recent years.

McGowan said: “We gave Gary the nickname of Five Star, after he won the Boys Club National title, followed by the junior and then the senior ABA’s.

“He went on to win British champion and also won the English title this year — that’s five national titles he has won already. If he wins the Commonwealth as well, we may have to re-name Gary six star.

“This will be a quality fight and one all the elite trainers, managers and boxers in the country will be tuning in to watch.

“I have the privilege of seeing this fight from the best seat in the house, it’s just a shame I have to do some work between the rounds, because this is the kind of fight I would love to sit down and watch.

“It is a 50-50 fight and we are expecting a war and I doubt anyone could predict for certain who will win.

“Walsh is a switch hitter and a lovely boxer but Gary has a phenomenal engine and work ethic and he is never in a dull fight.

“The winner of Walsh-Sykes will suddenly become a big player in the super featherweight division as holding the British and Commonwealth titles will be a great carrot for some big fights.”